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Estro Studio Haksoo Kim
Texu Kim (김택수, b.1980) is “one of the most active and visible composers of his generation” (San Francisco Classical Voice), writing music that transforms unconventional sources—ranging from everyday encounters to overlooked human stories—into sophisticated, culturally grounded works infused with clarity, wit, and nuance. As a Korean-American, Kim explores the localization of imported traditions, incorporating cross-cultural elements into his work in “impressive and special” ways so that “many orchestras and conductors around the world are taking an interest in [his] music.” (KPBS) By highlighting the interaction between folk culture and external influences, Kim creates meaningful depth while maintaining a signature playfulness and exuberance that is listener-friendly and engaging. Characterized by “exuberant, colorful washes of sound… punchy bass lines, snappy brass fanfares, and suave… solos” (San Diego Story), Kim’s music is at times “explosively virtuosic” (Wall Street Journal) but always uplifting and rewarding for both listeners and performers.
Kim’s work has enjoyed an impressive international performance history from ensembles like the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Opera Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, New World Symphony, Oregon Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Grant Park Festival Orchestra, Oakland Symphony, Syracuse Orchestra, Philharmonia, National Orchestra of Korea, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra, KBS Orchestra, Changwon Philharmonic, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Orchestra, UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, San Diego State University Orchestras, New York Youth Symphony, Portland Youth Philharmonic, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Ensemble Modern, Alarm Will Sound, Sejong Soloists, Ensemble Reconsil Vienna, New York Classical Players, Ensemble 212, AsianArt Ensemble Berlin, Collage New Music, Ensemble Mise-en, Fear No Music, San Diego New Music, Interplay, Ensemble TIMF, Northwestern University New Music Ensemble, Indiana University New Music Ensemble, Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia, Cardinal Singers, NOTUS, C4: Choral Composer/Conductor Collective, Red Clay Saxophone Quartet, the Verona Quartet, and more. Having served as the Composer-in-Residence of the Korean Symphony Orchestra, Kim has appeared at Yeowoorak Festival, Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival, PyeongChang Music Festival and School, Bruckner Festival, SONiC Festival, Mizzou International Composers Festival, June in Buffalo, Aspen Music Festival, SCI National Conferences, Composers Conference, and Oregon Bach Festival. Kim has received awards and honors from the Barlow Prize, Fromm Foundation, American Modern Ensemble, Copland House, SCI/ASCAP, Civitella Ranieri Foundation, and Isang Yun International Composition Prize, to name a few, in addition to winning a Silver Medal in the 1998 International Chemistry Olympiad (Melbourne, Australia).
2024-25 season highlights include the world premiere of “Welcome Home!!” commissioned by the San Diego Symphony (director Rafael Payare) to celebrate the long-awaited re-opening of its Jacobs Music Center, two concertos commissioned by the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra (with conductor Soo-Yeoul Choi, flutist Jasmine Choi, and percussionist Sori Choi), encore performances of “The New Year’s Magpie Song” by the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia (director Dominick DiOrio), and LA Phil’s performance of “Ko-Oh” (world premiere of the revised version, with conductor Hankyeol Yoon and violist Yura Lee).
An associate professor of music at San Diego State University, Kim formerly taught at Syracuse University, Portland State University, and Lewis & Clark College. Kim was also the Artist-of-the-Year of the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra and the Composer-in-Residence of the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, with which he launched the Composers’ Atelier program, educating and commissioning up-and-coming composers; having served as co-director of Ensemble 212’s ‘New Music for Young Audience’ series, and acted as a curator and board member for the Korean Cultural Society of Boston’s ‘New Music Symposium,’ he recently joined the board of the San Diego New Music. Having earned his D.M. from Indiana University and prior degrees from Seoul National University, Kim’s greatest mentors include Unsuk Chin, David Dzubay, Sven-David Sandstrom, Claude Baker, and Sangjick Jun.
(Bio by Aligned Artistry)
